Walgreen shoplifter pulls box-cutter on store employees
JOLIET, IL December 30 2018 – A 36-year-old Joliet man who lives on John Street is now locked away from society after Joliet Police say he pulled out a box cutter during Thursday night’s shoplifting at the Walgreens on West Jefferson Street. A store employee was trying to prevent Dennis Pagach from stealing a grocery cart full of merchandise, according to police.
Two hours later, Joliet Police arrested Paguch at his house in the 1000 block of John Street. He has been charged with committing aggravated battery, felony retail theft and aggravated assault. Pagach also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for a drunken driving offense.
According to police, officers responded to a theft in progress in the 2100 block of West Jefferson Street. “Upon arrival, officers spoke to staff who stated he saw Pagach leaving the store with a cart full of items that were not paid for. Staff stated that when he tried to stop Pagach from leaving with the unpaid items, Pagach tried to cut him with a box cutter,” police said.
The Walgreens employee backed away before Pagach punctured him with the box cutter, according to police. The quick-thinking store employee snapped several pictures of the vehicle Pagach was leaving in, a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox, police reports indicate.
At 10:10 p.m., Joliet Police officers apprehended Pagach and took him to the Will County Jail.
“Officers located the suspect vehicle and were able to come into contact with Pagach. Pagach was then arrested for the above offenses without incident,” police said.
As of 3 p.m. Friday, he remained in Will County’s custody unable to post 10 percent of his $10,000 bail.
